Six beluga whales have been successfully relocated from Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to accredited aquariums in the United States, according to officials involved in the transfer. The move, described as unprecedented in scale, involved a consortium of U.S. aquariums and was completed in July 2026.
The whales were transported to facilities including SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas, and the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Staff at the receiving aquariums expressed emotional relief and joy as the animals arrived safely, with some reports noting hugs and smiles among the teams.
The relocation was prompted by ongoing concerns about the welfare of marine mammals at Marineland, which has faced regulatory scrutiny and public criticism. The transfer was coordinated with Canadian and U.S. authorities to ensure compliance with animal welfare laws.
Each beluga underwent health assessments before and after the move. The aquariums involved have committed to providing long-term care and enrichment for the whales, which are social animals that thrive in group environments.
